When it comes to addressing communication and vocal issues in children, parents often encounter terms like “speech therapy” and “voice therapy.” While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to different, albeit related, areas of treatment. At Boise Speech and Hearing Clinic, we believe in empowering parents with knowledge to make informed decisions about their child’s care. This blog post will delve into the distinctions between speech therapy and voice therapy, helping you understand which might be most beneficial for your child.
Understanding Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is a broad term that encompasses a variety of therapeutic approaches aimed at improving communication skills. It’s an umbrella term that includes voice therapy, but it goes beyond just vocal issues. Speech therapy can address:
- Articulation disorders: Difficulty producing specific sounds
- Fluency disorders: Issues with the flow of speech, such as stuttering
- Resonance disorders: Problems with the quality of voice related to airflow in the oral or nasal cavities
- Receptive disorders: Difficulties understanding or processing language
- Expressive disorders: Problems with putting words together, limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way
- Cognitive-communication disorders: Difficulty with communication skills that involve memory, attention, perception, organization, regulation, and problem solving
- Aphasia: Language disorders that result from damage to portions of the brain responsible for language
- Dysarthria: Motor speech disorders resulting from neurological injury
Speech therapy sessions might involve:
- Articulation exercises
- Language intervention activities
- Oral motor therapy
- Conversational strategies
Understanding Voice Therapy
Voice therapy, on the other hand, is a specialized subset of speech therapy that focuses specifically on improving voice quality and function. It’s particularly relevant when a child is experiencing issues directly related to their vocal cords or voice production. Voice therapy might be recommended for:
- Vocal nodules or polyps
- Chronic hoarseness
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Muscle tension dysphonia
- Vocal fatigue
- Pitch problems
- Breathing difficulties related to voice production
Voice therapy sessions often include:
- Breathing exercises to improve breath support for speech
- Relaxation techniques to reduce tension in the vocal mechanism
- Vocal function exercises to strengthen and coordinate the vocal folds
- Resonance therapy to improve the quality and projection of the voice
- Education on vocal hygiene and care
The Overlap and Differences
While speech therapy and voice therapy share some common ground, the key difference lies in their focus:
- Speech therapy has a broader scope, addressing various aspects of communication including language, articulation, fluency, and cognitive aspects of communication.
- Voice therapy specifically targets the physiology and function of voice production, focusing on the larynx (voice box) and surrounding structures.
It’s important to note that many speech-language pathologists are trained in both areas, allowing them to provide comprehensive care that addresses both speech and voice concerns when necessary.
When Might Your Child Need Voice Therapy?
Consider seeking a voice therapy evaluation if your child experiences:
- Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
- Frequent voice loss
- A voice that sounds strained or effortful
- Difficulty being heard or understood due to voice quality
- Pain or discomfort when speaking
- Breathing difficulties during speech
- A dramatic change in pitch or quality of voice
The Role of Video Laryngeal Stroboscopy (VLS) in Voice Therapy
At Boise Speech and Hearing Clinic, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools like Video Laryngeal Stroboscopy (VLS) to assess vocal cord function. VLS provides a detailed, slow-motion view of the vocal cords in action, allowing our specialists to detect and diagnose a wide range of voice disorders with exceptional accuracy. This procedure is particularly useful in determining whether voice therapy is necessary and in guiding the development of a targeted treatment plan.
Benefits of Specialized Voice Therapy:
- Improved vocal quality and function
- Prevention of further vocal damage
- Enhanced communication skills
- Increased confidence in speaking situations
- Reduced vocal fatigue and discomfort
- Better breath control and support for speech
- Personalized strategies for long-term vocal health
Our Approach at Boise Speech and Hearing Clinic
At our clinic, we understand that each child’s voice is unique. Our approach to voice therapy is highly individualized, blending evidence-based techniques with cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive care. Our voice specialist, Matt Frank, brings extensive expertise in pediatric voice disorders and is skilled in both diagnosing issues through tools like VLS and implementing effective voice therapy strategies.
If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s voice or if they’re experiencing any difficulties with speech or communication, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes. Contact Boise Speech and Hearing Clinic today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our voice specialist, Matt Frank. Together, we can determine whether speech therapy, voice therapy, or a combination of both would be most beneficial for your child.
Call us at (208) 793-7006 or visit our website at www.boiseshc.com to schedule a free evaluation. Your child’s vocal health and communication skills are our priority, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
